A Stoutsville man faces a felony drug charge after attempting to carry heroin into the Monroe County jail Wednesday night.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 24-year-old Kyle P. Buckman of Stoutsville was spotted by a trooper parked in a field entrance off of U.S. 24. While making a "well-being" check, the trooper detected the "strong odor of burnt marijuana," according to the incident report.

After failing to pass a series of field sobriety tests, Buckman was transported to jail. Before entering the facility, Trooper Graydon Gaines reports he advised Buckman that if he entered the jail with anything illegal on him it would be an additional felony charge. According to Gaines, Buckman indicated he was not in possession of any contraband.

However, as Gaines began taking the handcuffs off Buckman he noticed his prisoner's hands were tightly clinched. When Buckman relaxed his hands he allegedly was holding a "small blue and white pill capsule" containing a white powder. According to the probable cause statement, Buckman identified the powder as heroin.

According to Talley Kendrick, Monroe County prosecuting attorney, Buckman has been charged with the Class C felony of possession of a controlled substance.

If found guilty, Buckman could face from one to seven years of jail time and a fine of up to $20,000.